Mount to defend BOP Club Sevens title on Saturday

WINNING FEELING: Mount Maunganui will defend the Sir Gordon Tietjens Trophy on Saturday. PHOTO/FILE

After kicking off the Summer of Sevens with the Bay of Plenty Secondary School Sevens last week in Rotorua, a record number of teams will compete at the annual Baywide Club Sevens Tournament at Eastern Districts Rugby Football Club in Paengaroa on Saturday.

The tournament is open to all the senior rugby clubs within Bay of Plenty for both men's and women's teams.

This year sees the inclusion of the new Manawa Whenua - Bay of Plenty Heartland Sevens grade. The grade featuring Papamoa, Eastern Districts, Matata, Waimana, Ruatoki, Waikite and Marist St Michael's will provide an exciting contest for the men's division one and two clubs.

The senior men's division will play for the Sir Gordon Tietjens Trophy with Mount Maunganui defending champions. Arataki will return to defend their Tight 5 title.

The development of women's rugby in Bay of Plenty is reflected by the growth of the women's division playing for the Exia Edwards Trophy.

Edwards represented the New Zealand Black Ferns and has been an important person in rebuilding women's rugby in Bay of Plenty. A new title holder will be crowned this weekend, with previous winner Waikite not entered.

"It is fantastic to see so many teams entered which was in line with the union's strategic goal of making the Bay of Plenty the home of sevens," Bay of Plenty Rugby operations manager Neil Alton said.

"It is great to see in particular the increase in women's entries. This just signifies the growth of women's rugby in the Bay of Plenty.

"It will be a great afternoon out for spectators and players, kicking off from 9am. The Coffee Chick will be onsite with Mr Whippy and Eastern Districts will be firing up the BBQ. The kids will be spoilt with activities throughout the day and a chill-out tent."

For teams, pools and draw click HERE